Hello
Probably a long shot being a Smith but I need some help making sure I have the right Smith in my family
It seems like Joseph appeared out of nowhere and disappeared just as easily. The first record I can find of him is his christening 14 June 1812 at St. Giles, Willenhall, Stafford, England with reference to his Mother Mary and father listed as G Smith.
I've traced what I think to be him through the various census (1851 was almost indecipherable and poorly transcripted but pretty confidant that the family is his based on later census transcription. Married to Catharine (Tarbuck) also known as Caroline down the family line Henry, Uriah, Harry, Anthony and me.
The only Joseph Smith I can find in 1841 Census was in Shorth Heath (near New Invention) but was married to Emma and had two kids (different names that don't appear in later New Invention census).
How do I know which is 'my' Joseph Smith? How can I find out when / where he was born (assuming 1812 as christenings seemed to be performed shortly after the birth? Assuming was born in Willenhall as christened there. Also no death details although 1861 census show Catharine / Caroline as head of the family so he's either dead by the time of 1861 census or moved on and abandoned the family.
Any info around Joseph and his Mother / Father greatly appreciated.
Many thanks